The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1887-10-13
Moses ashley nirchard.

Moses Ashley Birchard, an old AM
respected citizen of Windham, died a
his home on the 26th ult.. in the 8Otl
year of his age. For eight months h
had been a great sufferer from neural
gia and complication of diseases, du
ring which he retained cheerful ant
patient eomposure and resignation
in harmony sand keeping with hi
demeanor through long life of &C
tivity and noble accomplishment.
Mr.. Birchard was born in Beckett
Mass, Jan. 3lst, 1905 In 1912, with
his fathers family, he removed tc
Windham, where he was a cOntinou:
resident to the time of his death. His
early life was made up of the labors
and experiences incident to pioneer
life-a schooling which produced men
Of robust, heroic and honorable char.
scteristics and attainments, both in
physical and mental stature and per.
fection.
In 1929, at the age of 81, he com
menced clearing tract of l16 acres
of dense and heavily timbered wood
land, given him by his father; which,
with subsequent additions by pur-
chase, constituted the homestead upon
which he resided until last December,
at which time, that his daughters
might have better educational advan
L. tn hn Nt
Windham, leasing the homestead.
In 1884 he married Mary E Garfield,
of Edinburg. In May, 1873, death
deprived him of her companionship,
leaving him with an only son-Ed-
ward Ito experience the first sor-
row of home hitherto unclouded by
the messenger of bereavement.
In 1878 death deprived him of the
pride and stay of his declining years,
by the demise of his son, at the age of
43 years.
October 1, 1878, he was united in
marriage with Lois A. Richards, OF
Warren, who, with two daughters
Emily and Mary, aged respectively
IL anu years-are left to mourn one
whose memory is cherished and held
in sacred keeping as an affectionate
husband and kindly indulgent father.
Mr. Birchard was an active and lib
eral supporter of the church, schools
and press, and the impress of his Ia
bors and benevolence will long be
manifest in their tangible results in
the town and community which was
honored and blest by his citizenship
and good works. He was one of the
original incorporators of the M. E
Church in Windham, and contributed
generously in its infancy and days of
weakness to its support, continuing
SO to do until the time of his death.
He was a man of great decision, in
flexible in his adherence to right and
lofty principles, loyal to all demands
of good citizenship, invincible in his
moral and Christian integrity, his
life was grandly emphasized by all
that adorns and ennobles conservation
to principle and righteous endeavor.
A life. long Democrat, he prefaced
all discussions and statements of his
political tenets with Gen. Jackson's
characteristic d" By the Eternal" with
an emphasis which savored largely of
the vigor and spirit of "Old Hickory"
In his political faith and teachings,
Mr. Birchard was fast friend, of
kind and generous impulses, most
delightful conversationalist and mar
rator of incidents and events in the
early settlement of the town, and his
kindly presence and voice will long
be remembered by those with whom
he was associated as neigh bor and So
cial intimate.